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(Update) Murder suspect returns to court to face upgraded charges

Kelli Hoard Reeves
Kelli Hoard Reeves
An Elwood, Kansas woman appeared before a Buchanan County judge Tuesday on upgraded charges after refusing a plea bargain last week. A preliminary hearing is scheduled September 11 for Kelli Hoard.

Associate Judge Keith Marquart also scheduled a counsel status hearing September 4. Ms Hoard told the judge she would apply for a court-appointed lawyer.

Hoard was originally charged with second-degree murder in connection with the stabbing death of Richard Berry.

Officials say she rejected a plea bargain offered by prosecutors on lessor charges last week. Prosecuting Attorney Dwight Scroggins filed the new complaint on Friday. It includes charges of first-degree murder, armed criminal action and abandonment of a corpse.

Investigators believe the stabbing happened during an attempted drug theft in April. Mr Berry’s body was found in the Third Fork of the Platte River.

Two men were also charged with the homicide. Primalton Peterson is due in court for a trial setting later this week. Sean Liechti is due back in court next month.

Ms Hoard remains behind bars, unable to post $250,000 bail.

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